As summer gets into gear and more people turn their attention to gardening and home improvement projects, gardeners are being warned they could be making a mistake that is putting their pets in danger, and they don’t even know it. Ross Hallifax, pet insurance specialist Purely Pets, warned people the simple mistake could even cause your pet to have a seizure.
He explained: “Not only can dogs experience skin and foot irritation if they walk on fertiliser, but it can cause stomach upset if ingested due to its toxic ingredients like nitrogen and phosphorus.”
Fertiliser isn’t the only potential hazard for our four-legged companions. Pesticides – both in dry and liquid form – are often used to control garden pests, but they can be harmful to dogs. Experts caution that if ingested, these substances may irritate a dog’s skin and disrupt their digestive system. Even more concerning is snail and slug bait, which can be extremely toxic and, if eaten, may lead to severe tremors.
If you’re painting, you also need to take care as the paint and fumes can be toxic to pets due to their high chemical content. If you suspect your dog has ingested something they shouldn’t have, look out for signs of:
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- hyperactivity
- restlessness
- tremors
- seizures
- fits
- blood in the stool
“If you suspect your dog has been exposed to any of these toxins, try to call your vet immediately and explain what’s happened so they can help identify the best course of treatment,” Ross concluded.